Paarthurnax (named after the dragon in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim) is an extinct genus of goniopholidid pseudochian that lived in Early Cretaceous Holly Creek Formation in Arkansas, U.S. The type species is Paarthurnax holliensis.
Discovery and Naming[]
The holotype (TxVP 41181-1) was discovered during the 1970s at the Briar Site Locality in southwest Arkansas. The skull was compared to Paluxysuchus, but there was no description until 2025, when the material was given a name by a group of paleontologists. The generic name is named after the dragon from The Elder Scrolls V, though there was no explanation of it. The specific name refers to Holly Creek Formation.
Description[]
In its general shape and proportions, the skull broadly resembles that of other goniopholids, but the skull is flattened. The tip of the snout, formed by the paired premaxilla, is axe-shaped like in other goniopholidids, such as Ophiussasuchus. The external narial opening is entirely surrounded by the premaxillae with no contribution from the nasal bones and surrounded by a perinarial crest. It likely also possessed palpebrals. The nasal bones stretch the dorsal surface of the snout from the position of the maxillary bulge until their contact with the anterior process of the frontal, being both excluded from participating in the naris. The dagger-shaped frontal bridges the rostrum and skull table. It would have possessed 5 teeth and 14 maxillary teeth, but three of them are preserved. The skull measures approximately 530 mm (21 in) in length, and the total body length is 3,975m (13,041 ft).
Classification[]
It is classified as a member of goniopholidae. Its sister taxon is Denazinosuchus.
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